Two civil servants have completed a course in leadership development, while a further 16 public servants are taking the programme.

According to a government spokeswoman, the aim of the course is to “ensure there is a cadre of suitably trained Bermudians available within the service to contend for senior executive public servant posts as and when they become available”.

The two recent graduates of the programme are Pandora Glasford, director of financial assistance, and Gladwina O’Mara, the assistant official receiver at the Registrar of Companies.

The spokeswoman added: “Participants were involved in a variety of development activities beyond course work, including acting opportunities, reassignments, exposure to projects and work shadowing to ensure theories learnt are applied.”

Derrick Binns, the head of the Civil Service, applauded the graduates and said: “Each of you have demonstrated that you are now ready for the next level of leadership. Thank you all for your participation in the programme and most of all for your willingness to be considered for greater responsibilities within the public service.”

Diallo Rabain, the Minister of Education, added, “It’s a pleasure to celebrate the graduates of the leadership development programme.

“I want to commend all the graduates for the outstanding job that they do each day for the people of Bermuda, and once again congratulate them on this milestone achievement in their careers.”

* This story has been updated after incorrect information was supplied to us.